Nicosia Airport - A short and troubled history

Malcolm Brooke SpeakerNet Sponsor


Region:
Anywhere
Notice Period:
Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
Type:
Amateur with a professional approach
Fee:
Paid: £45 plus travel expenses (25p per mile)
Category:
History
Updated:
22nd August 2024

In the 1920s an airfield was laid out on a barren rocky plateau with no facilities. Development only began with the outbreak of WW2. The enlarged airfield was active during the Suez campaign, expanded with the growing tourist industry and opened a comfortable new terminal in 1968. There was a very tense situation in July 1974 when British armoured vehicles stood in the way of the invading Turkish army who were intent on capturing the airport. Since the events of 1974 the airport has been closed to all aircraft except UN helicopters and the entire complex is now designated a 'United Nations Protected Area'.

Note: Shorter versions of this talk and "The Cyprus Green Line" can be combined into one standard length presentation if required.

Views: 1080 | Enquiries: 1

About Malcolm Brooke

For many years Malcolm worked for the MoD schools (teacher, headteacher, advisory) and was fortunate to live and work in several interesting parts of the world. Several of his talks are inspired by his time in Cyprus and Germany. In 1974, as a young teacher in Cyprus, he experienced the military coup and subsequent Turkish invasion and, when living in Germany, saw the events of November 1989 as the Berlin Wall came down. He currently lives near York but between March and July he is enjoying himself in Cyprus and unavailable to give presentations.

Malcolm is happy to travel to most areas of the country but within a 100 mile radius of York seems like a sensible idea. However, if you are desperate for one of his presentations he can always make an exception!

Malcolm's presentations use his own laptop and data projector......however a screen needs to be provided.

Feedback has always been positive and groups often rebook immediately.

Evaluations following recent presentations:

"What can I say? We always give our speakers a mark out of ten but yours was the first to score 11!!! It really was excellent. You got all three aspects so right. Your research was impeccable; the visual presentation the best we have seen but most of all, you were able to put it over so well. So thank you, very well done indeed.".......R. S. - Collingham Retired Mens Forum.

"I thoroughly enjoyed your last talk to the Forum on “The Story of One Squadron“ ; I have also received a large number of complimentary comments from members."......R. L. - Harrogate Mens Forum.

"Thank you both for your very pleasant company at lunch this Wednesday , we really enjoyed the occasion. Terrific feedback , the room was still buzzing even after you left."......M.B. - Ryedale RAFA Branch.

“You did a talk for our club last October on the topic of York’s Baedeker Raid and the feedback I had from the members was very positive and suggesting I invite you to return.”……D.C – Derwent Probus Club.

“Once again on behalf of myself and this morning's audience, I would like to thank you for such a wonderful presentation; I know everyone present was really captivated by your talk.” ……K.M – Ryedale U3A.

"Comments on the evening itself and subsequently have underlined how much the attendees appreciated your presentation. It was the quality and professionalism of your talk that has made a strong impression. Many of the attendees I have spoken with have asked when we are going to book you again! There's no better endorsement than that." ......P.B. – Skelton Village Trust.

"A huge success yesterday, thank you for such an excellent, captivating and incredibly professional presentation. The feedback was superb and we would like you to come back……..indeed I think the members would lynch me if I didn't ask you!"......B.S. - Heworth Retired Men's Forum.

"At the end of today's presentation I announced you as our next speaker to palpable enthusiasm from the chaps!" ......B.S. - Heworth Retired Men's Forum.

"What a wonderful talk you gave us this afternoon we thoroughly enjoyed every absorbing minute....thank you. The presentation was excellent, well researched and with a clearly spoken narrative. We sometimes have problems with members not hearing but even the back row heard every word you spoke. Our appreciative thanks for a great start to our 2024 programme. We will be in touch for our 2025 planning." ......M.A. - Sheriff Hutton History Group.

As we’ve now come to expect, you entertained us, educated us and amused us – and who can ask for more? It’s the little details that make your talks so perfect. Members have already asked that you’re invited again. ...... C.P. - Welburn History Group.

Most presentations last approximately 50mins (+/-5) but can be modified as required.

A standard length presentation costs £45 plus 25p per mile.

People wishing to know more about his interests should look at one of the following websites.

www.militaryhistory.co.uk

www.49squadron.co.uk


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